Football History

Beyond the gridiron, the Texas Longhorns football program boasts a vibrant tapestry of traditions that enrich the game experience and bind generations of fans together. These traditions, passed down through the years, contribute to the unique atmosphere and passionate spirit that define a Longhorn football game.
Standout Traditions:

Bevo: The beloved mascot, a live Longhorn steer, embodies the strength and spirit of the Longhorns. Bevo makes grand entrances at every home game, captivating fans with his majestic presence.

The Eyes of Texas: This iconic song, sung after each touchdown and at the end of the game, serves as a powerful anthem of unity and pride for Longhorn fans.

Hook 'em, Horns: This ubiquitous phrase, accompanied by the iconic hand gesture, is a universal expression of Longhorn spirit, uniting fans in a shared passion for the team.

Smokey the Cannon: This historic Civil War cannon, fired after each Texas score and at the end of winning games, booms with resounding pride, adding a thrilling element to the gameday atmosphere.

Texas Fight: This spirited chant, led by the Longhorn Band, engages fans in a synchronized display of unity and excitement, reminding the players of their unwavering support.

Burnt Orange and White: These colors, representing the Texas flag and the university's official colors, are proudly displayed by fans, players, and coaches, symbolizing loyalty and belonging to the Longhorn family.

The University of Texas Tower: This iconic landmark, illuminated in burnt orange after every victory, serves as a beacon of Longhorn pride, visible throughout Austin and symbolizing the program's enduring legacy.

The 2015 Michigan State vs. Michigan football game wasn't just another rivalry clash. It was a game etched in college football lore, a chaotic masterpiece decided by a last-play Hail Mary that sent shockwaves through the Big Ten. With a final score of 27-23, Michigan State won an improbable victory, forever remembered as one of the most incredible finishes in college football history.

A Tale of Two Halves:

The game unfolded like a classic rivalry script. Under first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan dominated the first half, leading 23-3 at halftime. The Wolverines' offense looked unstoppable while the Spartans struggled to find footing. But the tide turned in the third quarter. Michigan State's defense stiffened, shutting out Michigan in the second half. The Spartans' quarterback, Connor Cook, rallied his team, leading two touchdown drives to narrow the deficit.

The Hail Mary Heroics:

With seconds remaining and the Spartans trailing by three, Cook dropped back to pass. Under intense pressure, he launched a desperation Hail Mary into the end zone. The ball soared through the air, seemingly destined to fall harmlessly incomplete. But then, the magic happened.
Jalen Watts-Jackson, a redshirt freshman wide receiver, rose above the Michigan defenders and snagged the ball out of the sky. He landed in the end zone, the ball cradled securely in his outstretched arms, as the Spartan Stadium erupted in a frenzy. The impossible had happened. Michigan State had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat on the game's final play.

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Raised in Tennessee and Denver, David Neil Drews was a commercial banker and then
an English teacher prior to becoming a writer. He has two bachelor’s degrees from the University
of Tennessee, one in finance and one in English Literature, and a masters in English Education.
Iron Tigers reflects his passion for sports, American history, and fiction. Since attending his first
University of Tennessee Volunteers football game in 1970, his blood has run deep orange. Yet,
after spending five years researching the legendary 1899 Sewanee football team, some say there
is a tinge of purple to his complexion.

Football enthusiasts rejoice! The Packaged Tourist Podcast welcomes renowned author Darin Hayes, chronicler of forgotten gridiron heroes, for a deep dive into his latest book, "The World's Greatest Pro Gridiron Team." Join host Matthew DiBiase as they dissect the remarkable story of the 1903 Franklin All-Stars, a team shrouded in myth and deemed by Hayes as arguably the best ever.

Prepare to be transported back to a time when professional football was in its infancy. Hayes, armed with meticulous research and captivating storytelling, delves into the All-Stars' meteoric rise. Get ready to:

Meet the players: Hayes paints vivid portraits of legends like Tackle Blondy Wallace, the elusive halfback Teck Matthews, and the enigmatic quarterback Jack Hayden, bringing their forgotten achievements to life.
Witness their dominance: Uncover the All-Stars' revolutionary tactics and explosive plays that left opponents aghast and redefined the game.
Relive their controversial season: Dive into the heated debates surrounding the All-Stars' legitimacy and tumultuous journey through a fractured football landscape.
Hayes and DiBiase promise a thought-provoking discussion that challenges conventional wisdom and rewrites forgotten chapters of football history. Whether you're a die-hard fan or simply fascinated by the evolution of the sport, this episode is guaranteed to ignite your passion.

On a cloudy October afternoon in 1964, the #5 ranked Texas Longhorns traveled to Razorback Stadium to face the undefeated and top-ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. The stage was set for a monumental clash between two of the nation's best teams, and the game lived up to the hype.

Arkansas entered the game as heavy favorites, riding a 15-game winning streak and boasting a potent offense led by quarterback Bill Burkett and running back Bobby Burnett. However, the Longhorns, under the leadership of head coach Darrell Royal, came out with a determined spirit and refused to be intimidated.
Texas' defense, led by All-American linebacker Tommy Nobis, played a crucial role in the victory. They held the high-powered Arkansas offense to just 14 points, forcing two crucial turnovers and limiting their explosive plays.
On offense, the Longhorns relied on a balanced attack. Quarterback Duke Carlisle and fullback Tommy Ford combined for two rushing touchdowns, and kicker Phil Dawson added two field goals.
The game remained close throughout the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 14-14. With less than five minutes remaining, Texas mounted a decisive drive. Carlisle orchestrated a crucial 14-play, 80-yard march, capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Ford.

Arkansas had one last chance to tie the game, but their final drive stalled at the Texas 43-yard line. The Longhorns held on for a thrilling 21-14 victory, snapping the Razorbacks' winning streak and handing them their only loss of the season.

The UMass Minutemen football program, dating back to 1879, has a rich history of triumphs and challenges. Starting as members of independent leagues, they eventually settled into the Yankee Conference, later known as the Atlantic 10 and Colonial Athletic Association. Their early years saw modest success, including a 9-1 season in 1903 and a New England Championship in 1955. However, the program struggled throughout the 20th century, experiencing long periods of losing seasons and coaching changes.
A significant shift came in 1998 when they captured the FCS National Championship under coach Mark Whipple, defeating Appalachian State 55-43. This victory marked a turning point, injecting new life into the program and raising expectations. In 2011, UMass boldly decided to move up to the FBS level, joining the Mid-American Conference. This transition proved challenging, with the team facing the competition and financial demands of the higher division. Despite the difficulties, the Minutemen have shown flashes of potential, including a 3-9 record in 2018, their best season yet as an FBS team.
While national championships and consistent winning seasons remain elusive, the UMass Minutemen football program strives to progress and build upon its legacy. Their journey embodies resilience, a spirit of competition, and a commitment to developing young athletes on and off the field. The program's future remains open, but the unwavering dedication of players, coaches, and fans fuels the hope for future success and a brighter chapter in the history of UMass football.

Born amidst the bustling energy of Austin, Texas, the Longhorns football program has a history as rich and vibrant as the state itself. Its origins trace back to 1893, when a group of students led by the visionary William T. Conner formed an informal team. Their passion and dedication ignited a fire that would blaze a path for future generations of Longhorn athletes.
The early years were characterized by a spirit of determination and resourcefulness. Despite limited resources and infrastructure, the Longhorns carved their own path, competing against local teams and gradually building a reputation for grit and tenacity. Their first official season in 1894 marked the beginning of a legacy that would transcend generations, establishing the Longhorns as a force to be reckoned with in the nascent world of college football.
Through the early decades of the 20th century, the Longhorns navigated a landscape of evolving rules and growing competition. Yet, their unwavering spirit continued to shine through. Coaches like E.J. "Doc" Steckel and Blair Cherry instilled a sense of discipline and tactical acumen that helped the Longhorns rise to prominence.
The journey of the early Longhorns was one of unwavering spirit, remarkable resilience, and a deep-seated love for the game. These foundational years laid the groundwork for the program's future success, paving the way for legendary coaches, iconic players, and countless victories that would solidify the Longhorns' place among college football's elite.

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Peter Oltchick is the co-author (with beloved longtime New York Daily News journalist Bill Bell) of Football for Fun: The Story of Coach Stewart “Fergie” Ferguson. Tom Flynn (Dan Rather Reports, CBS News) writes: “Fergie, the football coach, is an All-American character. The book is a rollicking fun read.” Peter has written for the online magazine Suite101 and is the author of Clean Clara, a children’s picture book celebrating friendship. He loves to visit schools for customized classroom and library programs and still loves Wordle.

Peter is an accomplished marketing and business development thought leader, an advocate of a positive, inclusive youth sports culture, and would welcome a shot to compete in a Connect 4 championship down the road. He is an alum of Colgate University and Columbia University Business School, and lives in New York City with his wife and two children.

The 1959 Syracuse Orange football team wasn't just a good team; they were a juggernaut. They stormed through the season undefeated, capturing the national championship and etching their names in college football history as one of the greatest teams ever assembled. Here's a closer look at what made them so special:

Dominant Offense:

Led by the legendary Ben Schwartzwalder, the "perfect offense" of the '59 Orange averaged a staggering 39 points per game, an unheard-of number in that era.

Their multifaceted attack boasted a balanced blend of run and pass, featuring a lethal combination of the Heisman Trophy-winning running back Ernie Davis, quarterback Gerhard Schwedes, and a talented receiving corps.

Their innovative "T-formation" offense, often with unbalanced sets and misdirection, kept defenses guessing and led to explosive playmaking.
Unflappable Defense:

While the offense grabbed headlines, the defense was anything but a pushover. They held eight of their ten opponents under 10 points, showcasing suffocating discipline and tackling prowess.

Led by linebackers Floyd Little and Ron Stone, the unit shut down opposing offenses and created opportunities for the Orange offense to shine.

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Timothy Brown takes his Football Archaeology focus towards some player protective gear evolution our way, was he studies early face guards.